Drill: Ready Position Reactions

Because I'm very proud I'd like to start this post by announcing that my brother earned his orange belt this last weekend. He is very excited and looks forward to more training. He officially knows how to do something that I know nothing about.

I like to write about a lot of reaction time and quick change of reaction drills. This is partially because I feel they are extremelly important for training purposes. For this drill, you won't need a ball, or even any net set up. You can do this drill with all players at the same time.

Have players spread out through a large space, either outdoors or within the gym, all facing the same direction. Make sure they are at least ten feet away from any walls because those will interfere with this drill. Have a coach stand in front of all the players. The instructions for this drill are simple. Have players maintain a ready position throughout the drill. When the coach points to the right (coach's left), the players shuffle to the right. If the coach points to the left (coach's right), the players shuffle left. If the coach point directy in front of them (behind the coach), players move forward. If the coach points backwards (in front of the coach), players back pedal.
The coach will point in random directions and players react to those directions. This drill is to train players to stay in a ready position throughout play instead of standing up like so many are likely to do. More experienced players are able to last longer in this drill than younger players. Most players will have sore thighs by the end of practice and should probably roll out using a foam roller if one is available.
An advanced version of this drill is to add some vocal commands such as 'block,' 'dive,' 'swing block left.' The coach calls out these comands and the players respond by performing them. I'm inclined to leave out dive or sprawl because it is difficult to train this skill outside of situational play.
Typically I would have the drill last for five minutes before letting the players have a minute break and then going for another five minutes. I would probably do four or five of these five minute sessions. I'd likely use this drill on a practice day before a break day such as a Friday or Saturday depending on your program's practice schedule.